Looking for some best courses to study in UK? The United Kingdom has long stood as a top destination for international students to pursue higher education for its academic excellence and diverse course options offered by leading institutions like Oxford and Cambridge. However, choosing your university subjects might be complicated since you should not only consider the university’s reputation and personal interest but also career prospects and potential return on investment (ROI). This blog compiled the top 10 best courses to study in UK, offering significant insights for students to make the decision for the future.
10 Best Courses to Study in UK
When choosing best courses to study in UK, apart from your personal interest, factors like university, cost, and career prospects should also be taken into consideration. Thus, the top 10 best courses to study in UK are listed below.
1. MBA
MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a highly sought-after postgraduate program that offers leadership and management skills for aspiring business leaders. It covers all areas of business, including accounting, finance, marketing, and human resources, preparing you for being a manager for your own business or in a big company. MBA programs usually lead to high earnings and better career developments, as well as bring you networking opportunities from tutors to fellow students.
Top MBA Universities in UK:
Course Details:
- Popular Programs: MBA or Executive MBA
- Entry Requirements: A bachelor’s degree, 2–5 years of management-related experience, GMAT or GRE score
- International Fee: £73,000 – £120,000
- Duration: 1-2 years
Career Prospect:
- Roles: Business Manager, Financial Analyst, Marketing Manager, Management Consultant, Operations Manager
- Annual Salary: £80,000+
2. Computer Science
Computer since is one of the best courses to study in UK as well as the most competitive one. It is a highly popular and in-demand course, covering programming, algorithms, data structures, and software engineering principles. Being the backbone of nearly every sector, computer science can be one of the most useful and lucrative degrees in the UK.
Top Computer Science Universities in UK:
Course Details:
- Popular Programs: BSc Computer Science, MSc Artificial Intelligence
- Entry Requirements: A*AA or A*A*A or A*A*A, with the A* in Maths, Further Maths or Computer Science, MAT or CSAT test
- International Fee: £45,000 – £60,000
- Duration: 3-4 years
Career Prospect:
- Roles: Programmer and software developer, Web designer, Software tester, IT network testers, Electrical and electronics technicians, Cyber security analyst, Systems analyst
- Annual Salary: £39,500+
3. Engineering
Speaking of the best degrees to get in UK, engineering, a broad subject that covers many different fields, cannot be overlooked. From civil, mechanical, electrical, and aeronautical engineering to biology, medicine and environmental science, nuclear, automotive, and robotics, engineering degrees cover more fields than you can imagine. It is a perfect choice for students enjoying retooling, building, and designing intricate machines and structures.
Top Engineering Universities in UK:
Course Details:
- Popular Programs: MEng Chemical Engineering, MSc Civil Engineering, and MSc Mechanical Engineering
- Entry Requirements: AAA, A-level (or equivalent) grade A in Mathematics, or A*A*A including specific subjects
- International Fee: £35,000 – £45,000
- Duration: 1-5 years
Career Prospect:
- Roles: Chemical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Software Engineer, Petroleum Engineers
- Annual Salary: £40,000+
4. Medicine
As a course where healing meets compassion, medicine is also one of the best courses to study in the UK. You will unveil the mysteries of the human body, work out the facts about diseases, and explore the latest medical technology. Studying medicine subjects not only means getting to know some knowledge but also more about practice and making a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
Top Medicine Universities in UK:
Course Details:
- Popular Programs: Medicine (MBChB), BSc Medicine, MBBS Medicine, BMBS Medicine
- Entry Requirements:3 A Levels at AAA, or A*AA, usually requires chemistry plus one from Biology, Mathematics or Physics, admissions tests
- International Fee: £45,000 – £65,000
- Duration: 3-6 years
Career Prospect:
- Roles: Anaesthetist, Hospital Doctor, Obstetrician, Clinical Scientist, Cardiologist
- Annual Salary: £30,000 – £90,000
5. Law
As the oldest and most demanded course system, Law has been receiving the highest number of applications for many years and being one of the most popular degrees in UK. Law is not only about its history and principles, but more about its social contexts with philosophy, economics, ethics, criminology, social policy, and more. It is a crucial subject no matter whether you want to be a qualified solicitor or barrister or want to get basic law knowledge in a related field.
Course Details:
- Popular Programs: LLB, LLM, and LLM Corporate Law
- Entry Requirements:A*AA, admission test or Law National Admissions Test (LNAT)
- International Fee: £25,000 – £35,000
- Duration: 3-4 years
Career Prospect:
- Roles: Barriste, Solicitor, Lawyer, Legal Writer, Legal Consultant
- Annual Salary: £ 20,000 – £ 50,000
6. Psychology
As one of the most lucrative and best courses to study in UK, psychology studies human thought, development, emotion, personality, behavior, and more. From courses in cognitive, developmental, behavioral, and neural studies, learning, personality, social, and clinical psychology, students will learn the inner workings of the human mind and how to interpret human behaviors.
Top Psychology Universities in UK:
Course Details:
- Popular Programs: Psychology BSc (Hons), Psychological and Behavioural Sciences, BA (Hons)
- Entry Requirements: A*AA, including at least one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology; A*A*A for some universities like Cambridge and admission assessment
- International Fee: £29,000 – £32,000
- Duration: 3 – 4 years
Career Prospect:
- Roles: Clinical Psychologist, Educational Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist, Human Resources Specialist, Market Research Analyst
- Annual Salary: £40,000 – £100,000
7. Economics
Being fundamental to our society, Economics is, without a doubt, one of the best courses to study in UK. It covers a range of different topics, including supply and demand, the role of prices and markets, employment, inflation, the operation of financial institutions, and monetary policy, which is the key to unraveling the complexities of global dynamics.
Course Details:
- Popular Programs: Economics, BA (Hons), BSc Economics,
- Entry Requirements: A*A*A or A*AA, A level in Mathematics or even in Further Mathematics
- International Fee: £25,000 – £35,000
- Duration: 3 years
Career Prospect:
- Roles: Economist, Financial Risk Expert, Personal Finance Advisor, Data Analyst
- Annual Salary: £40,000 – £60,000
8. Architecture
Architecture is about how to plan, design, and oversee the development and construction of the buildings or public spaces we live in. It is a subject to combine innovative ideas with practical requirements to improve the quality of our living environment. With the growing population and needs for better life quality, architecture is top 10 courses in demand in UK in recent years.
Top Architecture Universities in UK:
Course Details:
- Popular Programs: Architecture BA, Architecture BSc, and Master of Architecture
- Entry Requirements: AAA or A*AA, GCSE Maths grade 4/C
- International Fee: around £30,000
- Duration: 3 years
Career Prospect:
- Roles: Architect, Landscape Architect, Urban planner, Construction manager, Building services engineer, Site engineer
- Annual Salary: £50,000 – £60,000
9. Art and Design
Art and Design covers some popular courses like Graphic Design, Fashion, and Product Design, Performing Arts, Fine Arts, and more. It is suitable for students who hold a genuine interest and commitment to your art and the subject more broadly. Many art and design subjects require a portfolio, interview, or audition as part of their application process.
Course Details:
- Popular Programs: BA (Hons) in Fine Art, BA (Hons) in Graphic Design, BA (Hons) in Fashion Design
- Entry Requirements: AAA or ABB including an Art/Design subject
- International Fee: £28,000 – £42,000
- Duration: 1 – 3 years
Career Prospect:
- Roles: Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Fashion Designer, Art Director, Animator, Photographer
- Annual Salary: £25,000 – £35,000
10. Environmental Science
Environmental Science is a topical and growing subject especially in current society. It is about how to understand environmental issues and learn skills to tackle global challenges sustainably, connecting Earth’s resources with humanity’s response to some of today’s global challenges such as climate change, sustainability and pollution.
Top Environmental Science Universities in UK:
Course Details:
- Popular Programs: Environmental Science BSc, MSc Sustainability
- Entry Requirements: AAB – ABB Including 1 Required Science
- International Fee: £30,900 – £33,250 per year
- Duration: 3 – 4 years
Career Prospect:
- Roles: Environmental Consultant, Conservation Scientist, Renewable Energy Specialist, Climate Policy Advisor, Ecologist
- Annual Salary: £25,000+
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Course
- Personal Interests and Passion
Why it matters: Studying a subject that excites and motivates you will increase your chances of success and job satisfaction in the future. It’s essential to think about what you’re passionate about and what fields interest you the most.
Example: If you love technology, consider courses like Computer Science or Data Science. If you’re passionate about art and creativity, courses in Art and Design may be a good fit.
- Career Prospects
Why it matters: Consider how the course will affect your future employment opportunities. Some fields have high demand, while others might be more niche or competitive.
Example: Courses like Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine, and Business Administration generally have strong career prospects and can lead to lucrative roles in various industries.
- Salary Potential
Why it matters: Some professions offer higher earning potential than others. It’s important to research the average salaries for graduates in specific fields to ensure you’re choosing a course that aligns with your financial goals.
Example: Fields like Medicine, Engineering, Law, and Business Administration often lead to higher-paying jobs.
- University Reputation
Why it matters: The reputation of the university and the quality of its programs can significantly impact your learning experience and your future employability. Studying at a top-ranked institution often adds prestige to your degree.
Example: Universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and London School of Economics (LSE) are renowned for their academic excellence, particularly in courses like Business, Law, and Engineering.
Student Visa Requirements to Study in the UK
To study in the UK on a student visa, here are the main requirements you’ll need to meet:
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed institution.
- Proof of Funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
- English Proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).
- Valid Passport for the duration of your stay.
- TB Test (if required, depending on your country of origin).
- Completed Visa Application and fee payment.
- Biometric Information (fingerprints and photo).
- Additional Documents (academic certificates, previous visas, etc.).
Stay in the UK
Choosing suitable student accommodation in the UK is crucial after confirming your course and university. Compared to University-managed halls of residence, private accommodation is usually more flexible and cost-effective, with a wide range of choices from purpose-built student accommodation to apartments, flats, private housing, shared rooms, and more. As a professional platform, uhomes.com simplifies the searching process, provides verified information, and offers 24/7 free assistance to help you find the ideal home away from home.
Final Thoughts
Choosing from the listed best courses to study in UK is a pivotal decision that shapes academic and professional trajectories. Students usually prioritize personal interest and university reputation, but career prospects and ROI are crucial and even more critical. Try to collect more information and think in the long term when choosing your course to study in the UK.
FAQ
Which are the best courses to study in the UK?
Best courses to study in UK include Business and Management, Computer Science, Engineering, Medicine, Law, Arts, Social Sciences, Design, Education, and Hospitality. Leading universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College, and LSE offer these programs, known for their high quality and strong career prospects globally.
Which course is most in demand in the UK?
Most in-demand courses in the UK are Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Engineering (especially Software and Electrical) are highly in demand. These fields align with the growing tech industry, offering strong career prospects, as digital transformation and innovation continue to drive the job market.
What is the most useful course to study?
The most useful course to study depends on your interests and career goals. However, Computer Science, Data Science, and Business Management are universally valuable. These fields offer versatile skills applicable across industries, ensuring strong job prospects and adaptability to the evolving global job market.
Which degree is best for employability in the UK?
Degrees in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, and Business are among the best for employability in the UK. These fields are highly sought after due to the demand for tech professionals, engineers, and business leaders, offering strong career prospects in industries like technology, finance, and consulting.
What are the best short courses to study in the UK?
Some of the best short courses in the UK include Data Science, Digital Marketing, Project Management, Cybersecurity, and UX/UI Design. These courses provide specialized skills in high-demand fields, offering quick pathways to career advancement and industry-relevant expertise.
Is it worth studying MBA in the UK?
Studying an MBA in the UK is worth it for career advancement. UK institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and LBS offer prestigious programs, networking opportunities, and exposure to global business practices, enhancing job prospects and leadership roles in various industries.
How much does it cost to study in the UK?
For international students, tuition fees in the UK typically range from £10,000 to £38,000 per year, depending on the program and university. Living expenses usually cost between £12,000 and £15,000 annually, depending on location and lifestyle.
Why study in the UK?
Studying in the UK offers high-quality education, prestigious universities like Oxford and Cambridge, diverse cultural experiences, and global networking opportunities. It provides access to innovative research, career prospects, and the chance to experience life in a multicultural environment.
